Upcoming Education Classes

CAMRA BC - Vancouver Branch offers a number of education classes, and for information on past classes check the menu under “Education”. Our Education series at Steamworks Brewpub showcases guest lecturers harvested from our local craft beer community. More classes are being scheduled all the time so check our social media and website regularly as we’ve sold every single one out so far!

Our next classes are on June 30. Tickets on sale June 3 at 5:00pm! You must buy a ticket to attend each class. You are not required to attend both

 

Off Flavours 101 – 630-730pm

Back by popular request! An overview of the six most common beer flaws will discussed, along with samples to help new and experienced beer drinkers identify “off” beers. The origin of these flavors and how they function on one’s palate and affect the overall experience of the beer will also be introduced. The Off-Flavors Tasting will be directed by Chad McCarthy. As a National Rank BJCP beer judge and Certified Cicerone®, Chad has had a great deal of tasting experience. He is excited to help improve everyone’s understanding of beer flavour and aroma so that the very best beers and pubs gain the popularity that they deserve.
This introductory class on English ales explores the evolution of the classic styles of the British Isles. We will explore Irish stouts, London porters, the pale ales of Burton-on-Trent, and the wide array of brown ales from both sides of Hadrian’s Wall. This, of course, will be demonstrated with samples. After this class you will have a deep appreciation for all that tiny nation has done for beer.The instructor for this class is Tak Guenette, currently of Parallel 49 and formerly of Steamworks Brewpub, is more than just your average brewer . An award winning homebrewer, Certified BJCP beer judge, and the person most likely to be found brewing at home, even after a full day of brewing at work. He is quickly becoming a master at brewing English ales of all sorts and the easy choice for teaching this class. With any luck you will gain a whole new appreciation of the tradition of English brewing

 

 

 

Previous Classes

Cider 101 - Not since prohibition ended has there been such interest in cider. Forget the 2 Litre sweet stuff, we will be discussing Small Batch Craft Cider or Real Cider as it’s also known. Whether you are a wine or beer drinker, if you want to learn a little more about Cider in general, then this is the class for you. We will explore the major cider styles and regions including the hugely popular Pacific Northwest style, which is a blend of Craft Beer and Cider.

Cider 102 - New to Vancouver is the exciting world of Spanish or Basque ciders! Backed with the experience of a recent trip to Spain our local expert Alex Fortin is ready to blow everyone’s minds and is joined by Kelly and Shawn of Txotx Basque Imports. Spanish cider is a very different other styles and its regional apple varieties and traditional production techniques make for an earthy terroir that has to be experienced. Even the serving technique has a flair that only a Spaniard could pull off with a straight face.

Trappist Ales 101 - Perhaps the most romantic scene in beer is that of the brewing monks of Belgium. The reality is a bit different, but the care and effort that goes into their beers has been maintained over the centuries. This class will introduce you to the world of Trappist breweries, their prominent yeast strains, and some of the fantastic beers they produce. Presented by Ben Coli is the owner and brewer of Dageraad Brewing, which is a Belgian-style micro brewery in Burnaby. As an award-winning homebrewer, BJCP judge, and an experienced traveler of Belgium he is full of fantastic information on Belgian beers and why he loves them so much.

German Beers 101 - German beers are the most prolific in the world, but there are many more styles than most people know. Ranging from the numerous lagers to the various wheat beers and even sours, German brewers can do it all, This class will show how amazing ingredients, an exciting range of yeasts, and a dedication to excellence in beer can taste. Prost! Conrad Gmoser, legendary long-time brewer for Steamworks and now the head brewer at the immensely popular Brassneck Brewing is one of Vancouver’s most talented brewers.

Belgian and French Ales 101 - Welcome to the exciting realm of Belgian and French Ales. From the mountains of Wallonia to the Flemish Lowlands comes a diverse selection of farmhouse beer styles, which are only vaguely defined by Belgians and beer nerds. This exploration of imported examples and local reproductions will surely open your eyes to some of the most idiosyncratic beer styles out there. The Class is taken by Adam Henderson of Copper and Theory.

Cider 101 - Not since prohibition ended has there been such interest in cider. Forget the 2 Litre sweet stuff, we will be discussing Small Batch Craft Cider or Real Cider as it’s also known. Whether you are a wine or beer drinker, if you want to learn a little more about Cider in general, then this is the class for you. We will explore the major cider styles and regions including the hugely popular Pacific Northwest style, which is a blend of Craft Beer and Cider. The class is taken by Alex ‘Cidermonger’ Fortin.

Trappist Beers - As GM at BierCraft Cambie and assistant Director of Operations for BierCraft Restaurant Group David Daw has become an expert on beer and beer service. David is a graduate of the Serious Beer class at PCC, a Cicerone Certified Beer Server and is waiting to write his Cicerone exam. These qualifications coupled with several trips to Belgium and a personal passion for Belgian, and specifically Trappist breweries, make David a perfect choice to lead this class.

Big Beer 101 - Barleywines, quads, and Russian imperial stouts oh my! These beasts are big on flavour, cost, and alcohol. Prepare to learn how these leviathans are made and how to get the most out of them. A quick foray into cellaring and aging beer seems appropriate as well. Taking transit is highly recommended. This class has now sold out twice in record time!

Hops 101 – Although hops are only one of the 4 main ingredients of beer they have certainly taken centre stage in the current Craft Beer renaissance. From cultivation and breeding, to brewing techniques and resulting characters, hops are a fascinating and complex subject. This introduction to the marvelous Humulus lupulus, along with samples of beer of course, should allow any beer drinker to examine beer styles in a completely new light.

Sour Beers 101 - Sours are one of the newest genres of beer to start appearing in our pubs and bottle shops. These beers are a result of the acid production of various bacteria, often combined with wild yeast strains, and sometimes barrel aging. Borrowing many techniques and flavor profiles from the wine industry, these “fringe” beers offer a whole new world to beer drinkers. This introduction to the tart and the funk will blow your minds and your taste buds.

Off - Flavours - This overview of the six most common beer flaws are discussed, along with samples to help new and experienced beer drinkers identify “off” beers. The origin of these flavors and how they function on one’s palate and affect the overall experience of the beer will also be introduced.

Belgian/French Ales – Welcome to the exciting realm of Belgian and French Ales. From the mountains of Wallonia to the Flemish Lowlands comes a diverse selection of farmhouse beer styles, which are vaguely defined by Belgians and beer nerds alike. This exploration of imported examples and local reproductions will surely open your eyes to some of the most idiosyncratic beer styles out there.

Craft Beer 101 - The purpose of this class is to lay down a foundational knowledge of beer styles and how to enjoy them. Eight beer styles from around the world will be sampled while the history of beer and the brewing process is explained. After this class you will have an educated appreciation for beer and might just be able to explain its subtleties to you friends.

Craft Beer 102 - This second introductory class on craft beer explores some of the more obscure ingredients and brewing techniques. Historical practices and modern methods for the use of ingredients outside of the basic four explained in Craft Beer 101. From fruits to gruits, and oysters to oak, this class will brave a wide array of beers. You will certainly try something new in this class and gain a new appreciation for the diversity that falls under the name “beer.”

English Ales - This introductory class on English ales explores the evolution of the classic styles of the British Isles. We will explore Irish stouts, London porters, the pale ales of Burton-on-Trent, and the wide array of brown ales from both sides of Hadrian’s Wall. This, of course, will be demonstrated with samples. After this class you will have a deep appreciation for all that tiny nation has done for beer.

Food Pairing - Wine has long been held as the beverage that compliments food perfectly. This is a conspiracy. Beer is in fact a superior partner to food. This class will teach the basics of how to pair beer with different foods and even how to incorporate beer into your food. You will leave with plenty of inspiration to give up on your New Year’s resolution to eat less decadently.

History of Beer - Beer is the stuff of civilization. Without it we might still be living in caves and probably be consigned to drinking only wine. The discovery of beer is much romanticized, as are the various positions it has held in human culture. This peek at the history of beer, its production, and the various revolutions it has undergone will leave you thirsty for more. Samples will be supplied to help with that.

The classes are organized by Danny Seeton, CAMRA Vancouver’s very own Education Liaison. He is an award winning home-brewer, a National rank BJCP beer judge, and has been lecturing about beer history and brewing at UBC and for the VanBrewers homebrew club for the past 4 years. He will be joined for some events by local specialists. For more information contact education@camravancouver.ca.

More classes are on the way, keep checking back for more information!